Herriman man cited after firework explodes inside police cruiser

HERRIMAN, Utah – A man has been cited for illegally setting off fireworks in a field in Herriman–one of which hit the inside of a police car and detonated.

The officer was patrolling the area around 13400 South and 5000 West late last night when he saw a man firing off aerial fireworks.

Lt. Cody Stromberg says the mortar brick the man used to aim them fell over, sending fireworks in several different directions, including towards the patrol vehicle.

“One of those mortar rounds actually struck the front of the patrol car as the officer was arriving on scene and detonated inside the grill,” Stromberg says.

The officer is okay, and there is only minor damage to the vehicle.

“It couldn’t make it into the engine block. It just lodged right there in the front,” Stromberg says.

Some of the other fireworks caused a brush fire in the field, which Unified Fire quickly put out.

The area is a popular place for people to illegally shoot off fireworks every year.

In addition to his citation, the suspect may also face additional charges, although police have not said what those would be.

July 25th is the last day people in Utah can legally use legally approved fireworks in designated areas.